Does your mental health need a boost? In this article I’m exploring the connection between minimalism and mental health and 7 ways minimalism supports better mental health.
MINIMALISM AND MENTAL HEALTH
Do you ever have those days where life just feels too much? Like your brain is juggling a thousand thoughts and there’s no way to calm it all down? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. I think it’s very common to feel overwhelmed these days. Between work, social media, family, finances, commitments, and everything else life throws at us, it’s easy to end up stressed, anxious, and burnt out.
But what if I told you that maybe there’s a way to lighten the load a bit, a way that worked for me when I was feeling burnt out and that I’d like to share with you here? And that’s minimalism.
Minimalism is about simplifying your life – physically, mentally, and even emotionally. It’s not about living in an empty home with no furniture (unless you’re into that!) but more about letting go of the stuff that doesn’t serve you so that you can focus on what really matters. And guess what? When you clear away the clutter, your mental health might improve too. It did for me!
MINIMALISM, MENTAL HEALTH AND ME
For years I’ve struggled with mental health challenges. Sometimes they’re more challenging than others but as I get older, I’ve begun to understand the triggers and how to manage them.
However, a couple of years ago, I developed severe anxiety and although I’m pretty sure it’s related to hormonal changes as I approach mid-life, the anxiety came out of the blue and forced me to re-evaluate my mental health. I know that I need to make it a priority to care for my mind as much as my body – even when life and my To Do list call for otherwise!
As I found ways to be kind to myself, learn more about looking after my mind and how my daily life choices were affecting my mental health, I was reminded again how a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle has given me space, time and bandwidth to make this happen.
From an intentional morning routine to being more mindful about the food and drink I consume, to giving myself plenty of downtime and making time for nature and creative hobbies and great relationships, minimalism has supported my mental health in many ways.
7 WAYS MINIMALISM SUPPORTS BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
So, in this article I’d like to share 7 ways minimalism supports better mental health. Please note that I’m not a mental health professional so do seek professional support if you feel you need it, but here are some things that you may like to look at to support your own mental health and well-being alongside any support.
1. Reducing Physical Clutter Reduces Mental Clutter
We’ve all heard the saying, “A tidy space equals a tidy mind,” right? Well, I think that may be true. When your home or workspace is full of clutter, it’s harder for your brain to relax. Every item in your line of sight is like a mini distraction, demanding your attention. Even if you’re not consciously thinking about it, all that stuff can make you feel overwhelmed.
Minimalism encourages you to declutter your physical space, getting rid of things you don’t need or use. The fewer things you have, the less mental energy you need to spend on managing them. With less to tidy, organise, and maintain, you can create a calm environment that supports a calmer mind.
It’s like clearing a messy desk before starting work – you feel more focused and less stressed. Plus, when your surroundings are more peaceful, you can breathe more calmly too!
2. Minimalism Eases Decision Fatigue
Did you know that we make hundreds, if not thousands, of decisions every day? From what to wear, to what to eat, to how to spend your time and it all adds up. The more decisions we make, the more mentally exhausted we get. This is called decision fatigue, and it’s one of the reasons why you might feel totally drained by the end of the day, even if it wasn’t a particularly hard day.
Minimalism helps with decision fatigue by simplifying your choices. Imagine opening your wardrobe and seeing only clothes you love – no more standing there for ages, wondering what to wear. Or having a streamlined schedule with only the most important things on it, so you’re not constantly juggling too many commitments. With fewer options, you can make decisions more easily and save your mental energy for the things that really matter.
3. Creating Space for What Truly Matters
One of the best things about minimalism is that it’s all about focusing on what’s REALLY important to you. When you let go of the excess, you make room, physically and mentally, for the things that genuinely bring you joy and fulfilment.
Whether it’s spending more time with loved ones, having space for a hobby, or simply taking time to rest, minimalism helps you carve out space for the things that make you happy. And when you’re able to focus on what truly matters, it can lift your mood and give you a greater sense of purpose and contentment.
A clutter-free space (and mind!) allows you to be more present in the moment and enjoy life’s little pleasures without being distracted by a million other things competing for your attention.
4. Less Clutter = Less Stress
It’s no secret that clutter and mess can create stress. When your environment is chaotic, it can feel like your mind is in chaos too. Whether it’s a pile of dishes in the sink, laundry that’s been piling up for days, or just too much stuff lying around, all of it can create a constant background level of stress that’s really difficult to shake off and truly relax from.
Minimalism is all about reducing that stress by simplifying your surroundings. When you have fewer possessions, there’s less to clean, less to organise, and less to worry about. The mental load of maintaining a cluttered space lightens, which in turn lightens your mood.
Imagine walking into a clean, open space with everything in its place. I know for me this sounds a much calmer, more inviting and restful place to be. Less clutter equals less stress, and less stress equals better mental health.
5. More Time for Self-Care
Minimalism isn’t just about physical clutter – it’s also about decluttering your time. We’re often so busy trying to do all the things that we forget to take care of ourselves. Our schedules get packed with commitments, and before we know it, we’re running on empty.
By embracing minimalism, you can streamline your calendar and say no to things that don’t add value to your life. This gives you more time for self-care, whether that’s taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, going for a walk, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea. Self-care doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; sometimes it’s just about creating the space to breathe and rest.
When you’re not constantly rushing from one thing to the next, you have more energy and mental clarity. And taking the time to look after yourself, without feeling guilty about it, can do wonders for your mental health.
6. Letting Go of Emotional Clutter
It’s not just physical clutter that weighs us down – emotional clutter can be just as draining. We hold onto old memories, past mistakes, and even relationships that no longer serve us. All of this emotional baggage can take a toll on our mental well-being.
Minimalism encourages us to let go of more than just stuff. It invites us to let go of negative thoughts, old habits, and emotional attachments that aren’t helping us grow. It’s about creating emotional space to heal, forgive, and move forward.
This might mean letting go of guilt over something you’ve done, releasing the need to please everyone, or distancing yourself from toxic relationships. I know that letting go can be hard, but it’s incredibly freeing and gets easier with practice and having a clear vision of why you’re letting go. How will it change things for you? By decluttering your emotional life, you create room for healthier, more positive emotions to thrive.
7. Encourages Mindfulness and Present Living
Minimalism and mindfulness go hand in hand. When you simplify your life, you naturally become more aware of what’s happening in the present moment. You’re not constantly distracted by the ‘stuff’ around you or overwhelmed by an endless To Do list. You have space to slow down and truly experience life as it’s happening.
By living more mindfully, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. You’re not caught up in the past or worrying about the future – you’re here, right now. As the saying goes “The only thing we really have is the present.” Whether it’s enjoying a meal without checking your phone or spending time in nature, minimalism encourages you to be fully present.
Mindfulness also helps you make more intentional choices. When you’re focused on the present moment, you can better assess what you really want and need, rather than making decisions on autopilot. This helps you live more in line with your values, which leads us to be more in tune with our emotions, happier and more fulfilled.
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH MINIMALISM FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
If you’re ready to give minimalism a try and see how it can support your mental health, here are a few simple steps to get started:
1. Start Small: You don’t have to declutter your entire home or overhaul your schedule in one go. Pick one area to focus on – maybe it’s your wardrobe, your desk, or your kitchen counters. As you declutter, ask yourself if each item adds value to your life. If it doesn’t, it might be time to let it go.
2. Simplify Your Schedule: Look at your calendar and see if there are commitments you can cut back on. Are there things you’ve said ‘yes’ to out of obligation rather than desire? Start saying ‘no’ to things that don’t serve you, and free up time for what truly matters.
3. Digital Declutter: Our digital lives can get just as cluttered as our physical ones. Take some time to tidy up your phone, email, and social media. Unsubscribe from newsletters you never read, delete apps you don’t use, and consider unfollowing accounts that don’t bring you joy. Try a digital detox for a fun little challenge.
4. Create Space for Rest: Minimalism is about making room for what matters. And rest is important! Prioritise downtime in your schedule and give yourself permission to do nothing. Your mind needs that space to recharge.
5. Embrace Mindfulness: Try incorporating a few mindfulness practices into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before starting your day, or spending five minutes in the morning reflecting on what you’re grateful for. The more you practice mindfulness, the more you’ll find peace in the present moment.
CONCLUSION
Minimalism is about so much more than just getting rid of stuff – it’s a way of creating space, both physically and mentally, for the things that truly matter. By decluttering your life, you reduce stress, ease anxiety, and create room for joy, rest, and self-care. Your mental health benefits in ways you might not have even expected.
So, if life feels a bit too hectic, why not give minimalism a try? It doesn’t have to be perfect or extreme – just start with small steps, and see how much lighter and more peaceful life can feel. You deserve that space to breathe, and maybe your mind will thank you for it!
How has embracing a more minimalist and simpler lifestyle affected your mood and mental health? Do you have any tips or ideas to share to add to this article? I’d love to hear from you so please leave a comment at the end of the article.
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- 10 Minimalist Self-Care Tips for Calm and Peace of Mind
- 30 Journal Prompts for Self-Care and Self-Love
- 15 Helpful Habits for Positive Thinking
- Mindful Eating: Tips for Intentional Eating
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Laura A
Sunday 15th of September 2024
As someone with ADHD, I find that points 1 and 2 are particularly relevant. As I get older, my decision fatigue seems to kick in earlier and earlier in the day, so that my best time to work on tasks (including decluttering) is first thing in the morning. That's a small tip I'd like to share when getting started: see if there's a time of day that works best for you, whether due to mental capacity, energy levels, circadian rhythm, or other commitments in a busy life, to schedule in some decluttering.
Thanks, Antonia, as always, for an article that makes decluttering and minimalism seem approachable. :-)
Balance Through Simplicity
Monday 16th of September 2024
Hi Laura, I couldn't agree more. I also find my body and brain work better in the morning and that's when I try to do work and tasks that need most focus, concentration and forward-thinking! Thank you so much for adding that point.